A PLAQUE honouring the lives of two rail workers who were seriously injured during the Great Train Robbery has been unveiled at Crewe Station.

Jack Mills and David Whitby were at the controls of the Glasgow to London mail service involved in the Great Train Robbery back in August 1963.

Mr Mills was driving the train and was attacked with an iron bar. He never fully recovered from his injuries and died of leukaemia in 1970. His attacker has never been found.

Mr Whitby, who was 20 at the time, was assaulted at the track-side and also never fully recovered. He died of a heart attack when he was 34.

Now, 51 years on, the pair have been honoured during a moving ceremony attended by members of both families.

Virgin Trains unveiled a plaque with the names of the two men from Crewe and a DB Schenker train was named in their honour.

Andrew Byrne, head of maintenance and infrastructure at DB Schenker Rail UK, said: “DB Schenker Rail UK is extremely privileged to be able to name one of our trains in honour of Jack Mills who was seriously injured in the Great Train Robbery over 50 years ago. 

“Today’s naming ceremony paid tribute to the commitment of Jack Mills to the railway and others affected. 

“It will make sure that they continue to be remembered on the rail network for many years to come.

“We are delighted that David Whitby has also been honoured at the ceremony. Today’s events represent a permanent reminder of the price these two men ultimately paid.”

The plaque sits proudly on Platform 12, close to the offices where the two used to sign on before starting their day’s work.

A replica nameplate was also presented to Jack’s family by DB Schenker Rail UK driver Paul Fowles.
Sheila Breeze, Virgin Trains station manager at Crewe, said: “It’s long overdue and only right and proper that David and Jack have been honoured in this way.”